Brand quits Comedy Awards to care for sick friend

The funnyman was unable to pick up his Outstanding Contribution to British Comedy trophy at the ceremony because he was at his pal Martino Sclavi's bedside.

The Italian film producer was reportedly admitted to a New York hospital on Wednesday (19Jan11) after suffering severe headaches, and a biopsy revealed a brain tumour.

He is said to be in critical condition after undergoing surgery to remove the growth.

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star apologised for his absence in a video message played for the audience at London's O2 Arena.

Accepting his prize, Brand said, "I'm really sorry I couldn't be there. One of my friends is really ill and there's no way I could travel."

Brand was expected to reunite with broadcaster Jonathan Ross at the event, marking their first joint TV appearance since their controversial calls to actor Andrew Sachs on a radio show threatened to end their careers.

The pair came under fire after leaving offensive messages on the Fawlty Towers star's answering machine about Brand's fling with Sachs' granddaughter.